More detail on this person: Donald John
Douglas JR was the first child born on the 4th of
July 1946 in Lakewood, CA, and except for his
military service, he lived in California his whole
life. He thought he had the greatest childhood,
growing up with siblings and cousins and great
aunts and uncles, when coastal California still
was a collage of sleepy beach towns, and life in
post WW2 America was prosperous and promising.
He was looking forward to attending his 50th
Reunion at Savanna High School in Anaheim next
month.
During the Viet Nam War, he joined the Army,
serving proudly as a helicopter pilot. Flying
Cobra gunships was considered an honor, because
these were usually the best pilots. As "Warlord
15" with the 117th Assault Helicopter Company, he
qualified, and flew several missions in Cobras,
but shortly, their unit reorganized and he was
assigned to a Huey UH-1B,( with Annie Fanny on
the nose) and immediately knew he was called to
be a Rescuer. Returning to the States, he trained
other helicopter pilots facing service in Viet
Nam, and later flew with the National Guard.
After the Army, he co-owned a recreational vehicle
service and supply business with his father in
Orange County, did international trade with the
People's Republic of China, and owned a small fast
food restaurant. But above it all, he was called
to serve God. First as an Elder, then as a Pastor,
his heart was always inclined toward loving God's
flock. His 35 plus years in Men's Ministry meant
more to him than his Distinguished Flying Cross,
and he was with his men when that big heart
betrayed him.
He could fly anything with rotors or propellers
(actually, we went gliding together, and that
craft had neither), drive anything he could fit
those long legs into (he owned 5 fire trucks, but
we wouldn't let him have a tank!), fix anything
that was broken, teach anyone who would listen.
He loved to fly. Flying was pretty much his only
passion, until he met and married Linda. On March
1st, 1975, he said "I do" to not just a bride, but
to 3 small children as well. Throughout the years,
he considered raising and loving them his greatest
joy and proudest achievement, and more recently
thrilled at watching his 6 grandchildren grow,
knowing they would be his legacy, and just
enjoying being "Grandpa."
He leaves his wife of 40 years, Linda, children
Tiffany (Shaun) Henderson, Troy (Kate) Farr, and
Traci (Michael) Blanton, grandchildren Austin,
Emily, Garrett, Rachel, Brooke and Paige, sister
Suzann Bowers, brother Greg Douglas, and so
many others.
He loved his wife, his family, his friends, his
country and his Lord, and faithfully served them
all. He was a man of character, of humility, of
integrity: a truly good man. He was our hero. He
was the best of us. He just left us far too soon.
Burial: Riverside National Cemetery
22495 Van Buren Blvd.
Riverside, CA, US, 92518
This information was last updated 07/10/2016
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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